A match made in produce heaven, Hughes Farms and Washington Lettuce & Vegetable Company have been in the fresh market industry together since 1986.  Hughes Farms manages all growing aspects while Washington Lettuce is the sales, marketing, and accounting arm of the operation.     

Hughes Farms is a fourth generation farm in the Skagit Valley founded by Lowell Hughes in the mid-1920’s.   Over the years he passed the farm over to his son Jim, and his four boys. Today Lowell’s grandsons, Dave, Tom, Jeff and Bob and his great grandson, Michael are the key players behind Hughes Farms.

Dean Cunningham, Vice President of Washington Lettuce, was also born and raised in the Skagit Valley. Dean began growing produce right after graduating from Washington State University in 1978. Dean’s daughter, Tara Cunningham, joined the company in 2015 and works with Dean on all sales and logistics.

These Skagit Valley boys (…and girls!) have combined their strengths to help the partnership thrive and grow on a daily basis.  The fresh market crops they focus on are red, white, yellow,  and purple potatoes,  and broccoli.  The Hughes's also rotate their crops with wheat, barley, corn, and seed crop.